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Can you repair a shock absorber? DIY motorcycle
suspension
(including VAT) for a complete Absorber Last?
rebuild, which includes new oil, To maintain peak performance,
seals, and bushes, though the it’s advisable to service your
price may vary slightly based on suspension every three years,
parts needed. with five years being the
Shocks equipped with reservoirs maximum for most road riders.
have oil under pressure, with gas While OE emulsion units may
preventing air bubbles and seem acceptable until they leak,
providing space for the damping their damping performance will
rod to move. Reservoirs may be gradually degrade over time.
Michael Hancock, K-Tech suspension
internal, external, or attached by a Higher-performance shocks will
hose; the positioning affects also experience gas leakage into
r o p e r m o t o r c y c l e temperature management during the oil, resulting in diminished
maintenance is crucial for heavy use. Nitrogen is often used performance.
Pkeeping your bike running instead of air, as it maintains more My ZX-6R's shock has only
smoothly and safely, yet many stable pressure under varying 18,000 miles but is 20 years
riders overlook the suspension, conditions.Aftermarket single- old—definitely overdue for a
treating it as a sealed unit that can body shocks are also commonly service.
be ignored until it begins to leak. rebuildable.
The decline in suspension How Do I Maintain My Shock
performance can be so gradual W h a t S h o c k s C a n ' t B e Absorber?
that you might not even notice Repaired? Though not owner-serviceable,
how much your motorcycle's Many bikes come with simple you can take steps to prolong your
handling has deteriorated. emulsion shocks, which combine shock's life. After a wet ride, spray
However, maintaining good oil and gas in a single body. This penetrating fluid around the
contact between your tires and the setup can lead to inconsistent damping rod to protect it from
road is essential for your safety. damping, especially under heavy corrosion. Keep an eye out for any
use. While it's theoretically oil leaks, as running a shock dry
Michael Hancock has over 14 possible to service these, it's often can lead to severe damage,
years of experience as an not economically viable due to the increasing service costs and
engineer at K-Tech Suspension in labor involved and potential potentially rendering it unusable.
Derbyshire, where he rebuilds issues with sealing.
shocks and forks from various Routine maintenance should be
manufacturers, including Öhlins, For example, replacing the shock part of your long-term service
WP, KYB, and Sachs. He has also on a Yamaha MT-07 with a K-Tech schedule, especially since a
collaborated with top racing teams Razor-Lite is only £415. This high- complete fork service at K-Tech
in events like the TT, Dakar, GP, quality UK-made shock features costs about the same as a shock
and BSB on K-Tech's award- adjustable rebound damping and rebuild. Be wary of shock covers,
winning UK-made suspension. preload settings, and comes with as they can trap dirt and moisture,
a tailored spring for your weight. In accelerating corrosion.
As part of our DIY motorcycle contrast, the OE unit is priced at
maintenance series, I’m servicing £446.58 but offers inferior When Does My Shock Absorber
my 1999 Kawasaki ZX-6R. performance. N e e d S e r v i c i n g o r
However, rebuilding or repairing a Replacement?
s h o c k a b s o r b e r r e q u i r e s Investing in a higher-quality shock Shock performance degrades
s p e c i a l i z e d t o o l s a n d can yield better tolerances and gradually, making it hard to notice
expertise—something even many more effective adjusters, along without comparison to a new bike.
dealerships may not offer. with a suspension setup tailored While engine oil changes are
to your riding style and weight. common, remember that the oil in
Can You Repair the Shock Quality brands like K-Tech, your shock operates under more
Absorber on Your Motorcycle? Maxton, and Nitron offer robust stress and is much less plentiful.
Generally, if your original options, with K-Tech’s race Springs typically don't wear out
equipment (OE) shock absorber shocks proven to maintain unless they are mismatched or
has a reservoir protruding from performance throughout rigorous coil-bound, at which point a new
the body or connected by a hose, racing seasons. spring costs around £85 at K-
it can likely be serviced. K-Tech Tech. LHR
typically charges around £145 How Long Should My Shock
Editorial sponsored by Twiggy the Weed Kid Tech Advice
